'Beast' Rhys has the physicality to tackle the Boks

WHEN South Africa named their matchday squad to play Wales, a shudder went down the spine of every Welsh fan at the strength of the side.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

Ospreys' Rhys Davies on the ball

‘The Springboks’ reputation for physical dominance is wellearned. Their pack routinely makes mincemeat of those in front of them, and under Rassie Erasmus, South Africa are expected to steamroller a Wales side weakened by injury.

Wales may not boast the biggest pack, but they have their own enforcer in Ospreys second-row Rhys Davies.

With Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins unavailable, the threetimes-capped Davies will start his first game for Wales.

“He's a beast,’ said his Ospreys teammate Sam Parry when asked about the giant second-row.

“You watch him go this Saturday. He’ll be top of the tackle charts and he'll be into everything. I can’t wait to see him play to be honest.